Category: Environmental Pollution

With the development of civilization, one of the more important concerns that are fast becoming a major threat is pollution and no form of pollution seemed to be bigger than that of fresh water pollution. Thus, the focal point of this dissertation is based on the factors and affects of the fresh water pollution. Within this given parameter emphasis would be given on the effects of water pollution have differ from the past to the present.

In terms of the water Pollution, conditioning it would be analyzed whether it has declined or improved over the past few years and if so the degree would be determined. Furthermore, it would be enumerated the amount of the damages that have been caused from water pollution. The paper would loosely be based on human health, but would focus on the water pollution in the ecosystem from underground, rivers, and lakes and would enumerate how the pollution is affecting the water life and wild life in general. Alongside there would be a brief discussion on the water cycle and humans. (Birnie, 1995)

In general, the matter of water supply is of prime concern and an imperative and intricate issue. However, it could be ascertained that the matter of fresh water pollution could be broadly divided under two vital aspects. The first and foremost characteristic is to identify the point sources that are readily identifiable like that of the pipe discharge, sewage, industrial effluent and other such sources which are comparatively easily addressed and therefore could be regulated and monitored after being located.

The second is the non-point sources, which are difficult to identify. This includes motor oil splashes due to storm runoff or other oil sources that sums up to a significant amount. Additionally there are the problems of silting from logging, farming, constructions, and this cause huge water pollution specifically when ground water is concerned. The contamination of ground or surface water creates a huge ecological imbalance along with substantial affect on human public health and it covers a vast area of water resources like estuaries, wetlands, rivers, and lakes. (Sands, 2004)

It was found from a research in 1985 that the average fresh water level has decreased at an alarming rate. Soon it was investigated and the prime reason behind this was that the genital size of male marsh crocodiles has decreased dramatically making them unable to copulate in a proper manner. The sole cause behind this scenario was the presence of pollutants in the marsh water. During the same period, the population level of the fish eagle was found to be decreasing too. Specifically, it was found to be disturbing at the region on the vicinity of the river San Lorenzo. The direct affect of the pollution in the river affected the aquatic lives and that in turn affected the eagles by eliminating the male gender from the population stock. Researchers found pairs of female eagles trying to build nests, as there were no males around. (Newell, 2001)

This is how the water pollution can cause a complete ecological imbalance creating havoc in the environment of the wild and aquatic life forms. Had it not for environment friendly activist organizations like Environmental Protection and Information Centre and Centre for Biological Diversity water pollution level would have become much worse by now and most of the species would have been lost. However, with the implementation and enactment of the Clean Water Act, things have started to change in a great manner and with improvement of sewage treatments things are no longer gloomy. With all these steps taken by the authorities and organizations it could be safely stated that the condition of the water and the subsidiary ecology are improving bur there is much more to be done. (Sands, 2003)

Annotated Bibliography

Birnie, Patricia W & Alan E. Boyle; 1995; Basic Documents on International Law and the Environment; Clarendon Press.

This text is a collection of important and key documents related to International Law and the Environment. The selection is wide ranged and covers a lot of areas that is aligned with the needs and principals of the environment from the parameters of sustainable legal system. This compilation includes major relevant legal instruments and important treaties that are instrumental in shaping the protective international law of the environment.

Newell, Peter; 2001; Managing multinationals: the governance of investment for the environment; Journal of International Development; 13, 7; 907-919; Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.

This paper looks at the parameters of international environmental laws and the practical difficulties of implementation of these laws. It takes into consideration the aspects multinational corporate bodies and the effects of globalisation in the context of environmental initiatives. It deals with the fundamental essence of responsibility and the use of international environmental laws in order to negate corporate litigation with the help of legal instruments for protection of the environment. The aspects of irresponsible investment procedures are dealt in the light of international environmental laws.

Sands, Philippe; 2003; Principles of International Environmental Law, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, 2nd edition.

This is a revised edition and it includes case laws that are related to international legislation on environment protections. It has additional details about the developments since the publication of his older edition in 1994. This book aims at specified notion and looks into the parameters on “how can international law reconcile the inherent and fundamental interdependence of the world environment“. (Sands, 2003) The writer provides the answer with arguments and informative details and makes this book a valuable text for environmental practitioners, academics and students.

Sands, Philippe & Paolo Galizzi; 2004; Documents in International Environmental Law; Cambridge University Press.

This book is a volume that is considered as the companion edition of the book Principles of International Environmental Law. It is thus, a reciprocating text that should be used along with mentioned book. It includes selected documents of treaties and legal decisions in the context of environmental protection. Here the documents are presented in an up-to-date manner and has a good indication of legal acts and their current status and is extremely helpful of environmental practitioners, academics and students.

Introduction

Among the many tentative social issues that impact societies globally, the most pertinent are those related to the environment. Irreversible natural processes that occur across the planet are out of human control, and the scope of their advancement in force and frequency demands an immediate and qualitative change in the ways people interact with nature. Industrial societies have produced omnipresent consumerism that has led to the overproduction of waste, the most massive of which is plastic. This material, although very cheap and practical, is primarily single-use and does not decompose, which is why all the plastic that has ever been produced is accumulated on the surface of oceans and land. Thus, the world is now in an urgent need to stop plastic pollution by enacting strict measures in all necessary spheres.

The Rationale for Enacting Strict Policies to Eliminate Plastic Waste

There are several critically important reasons why change must occur in the nearest future. Firstly, marine pollution is one of the most vivid motivations for banning plastic from social use. Indeed, according to Nielsen et al., the majority of plastic bottles, bags, cups, utensils, straws, and other objects eventually arrive at beaches and oceans, forming large “plastic patches” (6). Such large areas of marine surfaces adversely impact the life forms of the seas and oceans, as well as consequently harm all ecosystems. Since all the ecosystems are intertwined and interdependent in nature, the breach in the healthy functioning of one system leads to the impeded existence of the others (Beaumont et al. 190-191). Moreover, apart from marine habitats, other animals suffer from plastic waste “via a number of mechanisms, including entanglement, ingestion, smothering, and hitchhiking” (Rochman et al. 1619). Therefore, effective cleaning approaches must be found as soon as possible, as well as other policies, such as a plastic ban or the reduction of plastic manufacturing, must be implemented.

Secondly, apart from large pieces of plastic waste that float on the water surface, there are microplastics that are invisible but cause much harm to the health and life of marine life. As stated by Nielsen et al., “microplastics can negatively affect the reproductive systems of fish” (7). The smallest pieces of plastic are found not only in the water of the oceans and seas but also in the soil and air, in the Arctic ice, and in the bodies of animals and human-beings (Nielsen et al. 7). Since it is proven to cause a negative effect on fish, it might have a similar negative accumulating effect on other forms of life on the planet if the issue is not tackled in the nearest future.

Thirdly, in accordance with the previously stated reasons, the Harmful effect on human health and well-being in a long-term perspective also serves as a reasonable motive for solving the problem of plastic pollution by banning it completely or reducing it. In addition to the direct harm caused by microplastics that are found in the bodies of humans, there are consequential effects of the impeded functioning of ecosystems. As stated by Beaumont et al., societies across the globe actively interact with the oceans because marine ecosystems provide food for people, “carbon storage, waste detoxification,” and recreational benefits (190). Thus, the failure to sustain the healthy state of marine wildlife and the environment will eventually harm societies.

Similarly, the consequences will be negative for the economies since much of food production and recreational activities’ income depends on the environment. Negative economic implications of plastic pollution will result in the decline of marine resources used by countries globally. The economic impact of plastic waste abundance is two-fold. On the one hand, it is observed in the indirect reduction of resources needed for human economic activities, such as food production and traveling. On the other hand, the costs of cleaning and waste management on such large global scales require extensive expenditures. However, the scope of literature indicates that partial inclusion of the countries into the process of pollution problem solving and such initiatives as volunteer clean-ups of beaches and oceans do not produce the expected result (Jorgensen 2-3). Thus, it is imperative to find effective solutions that would accelerate the process of cleaning the environment for the existing plastic and prevent its production in the future to maintain a clean planet for the generations to come.

The Views of Opponents

The opponents of the immediate elimination of plastic due to its harmful effects on the environment commonly claim that this material has a number of positive features, which validate the continuation of its use. For example, some claim that plastic is the cheapest material of all alternatives possible that is capable of sufficing consumer’s daily needs of comfort. The easy process and low-cost of production validate the continued manufacturing and use of plastic products (Nielsen et al. 9-10). In their opinion, the ban on plastic will cause a disruption in the economy due to the lockdown of all manufacturers producing plastic.

However, the global damages caused to the natural habitat are far more influential for the future of humanity than the disruption of the economic trends of large manufacturers. After all, it is possible to implement innovative solutions for producing alternative materials that would be multiple-use, sustainable, and non-harmful to nature and humans. Moreover, there are several reasons why plastic can no longer be used by people. The chemical composition of this material does not allow plastic debris to break down fast, which is why the decomposition takes centuries, thus accumulating large volumes of waste in all ecosystems. Furthermore, the low price of plastic objects does not motivate people to reuse it, which is why cups, bags, straws, and other plastic products are considered single-use and go to waste. Importantly, although it might be useful to recycle them, such a practice is not very common. Thus, plastic should be banned and alternative materials introduced to improve the environmental state of the planet by plastic-free life.

Conclusion

In summation, among many problems humanity faces in the twenty-first century, environmental issues are some of the most impactful since they are difficult for people to control. Plastic single-use cheap objects constitute a large volume of all waste globally, form big plastic patches in the oceans, seas, and land, thus harming the marine and land wildlife. Plastic pollution has significant human health implications and adverse impact on economies of the world. A plastic ban might be an effective solution to the problem despite the negative economic effects. Given a range of reasons for immediate action aimed at solving the problem of environmental plastic pollution, large-scale, both long- and short-term strategic decisions must be made to implement new policies.

Today, the problem of environmental pollution is often acute for discussion, as a result of this drawback can not be postponed. After all, if we tend to violate the laws of nature, we’ll have obscurity to measure and also the way forward for humanity are unknown. during this essay, i need to tell you and our society concerning the causes and consequences of our actions in respect to the ecological system of our planet.

Contamination causes don’t seem to be restricted fairly to fossil and carbon emanations. There are many different varieties of pollution that embrace environmental exposure by dishonorable transition hones and agricultural experiments into water and soil sources, and commotion and light-weight contamination iatrogenic by urbanization as a results of growth.

Wastewater, effluent and fertilizers are to blame for nutrient pollution. The high nutrient levels in these sources find yourself in water bodies and promote the expansion of protoctist and weeds, which might cause water to die from undrinkable and low gas.

Industrial waste is one of the fundamental driver of water contamination, by making essential and auxiliary poisons including sulfur, lead and mercury, nitrates and phosphates, and oil slicks.

In developing countries around seventieth of their solid waste is drop directly into the ocean or ocean. This causes difficult issues including the hurting and murdering of ocean animals, which at last influences people.

By a long shot the principal vital outcome of contamination is that the passing of amphibian animals, which could disturb the entire common wonder.

A eventful draw back is formed once disinfectants accustomed treat potable reach water impure with harmful microorganism, they react creating dioxins.

There are 2 forms of air contaminations, essential and nonmandatory. Essential poisons are discharged foursquare from their supply, whereas nonmandatory contaminations are formed once essential toxins respond within the climate.

The intense of non-renewable energy sources for transportation and power produces each essential and auxiliary poisons and is probably the best wellspring of air contamination. There are 2 forms of air contaminations, essential and nonmandatory. Essential poisons are discharged foursquare from their supply, whereas nonmandatory contaminations are formed once essential toxins respond within the climate. Ammonia is that the main water waste matter from agricultural operations. Ammonia leaks into the atmosphere as a gas from toxicant animal waste and over-fertilized areas. Such evaporated ammonia then interacts with different toxins, like vehicle-created N oxides and sulfates, to supply aerosols. Aerosols are little particles capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory organs and inflicting heart and lung collapse.

High pollution levels will cause inflated risk of heart failure, coughing and respiration issues, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. pollution also can cause heart issues, asthma, and different disorders of the lungs to accentuate.

Pollution should be dramatically reduced as a results of it’s destroying the setting we tend to tend to board, contaminating our food and water, inflicting diseases and cancers in humans and life, and destroying the air we tend to tend to breathe and conjointly the atmosphere that protects North American country from harmful ultra-violet radiation. it’s the responsibility of every living person to protect the setting, and with the population ever increasing, pollution problems are only planning to intensify unless we tend to tend to try and do one factor relating to it. protective the setting is also a protracted and discouraging task, requiring continuous coming up with, governmental policies, and public and industrial participation. however the results of ignoring the matter are progressing to be ruinous and life as we tend to all recognize it’ll begin to complete.

What are some Urban issues human experience? One of the urban issue that human observes in their area today is environmental pollution. Environmental pollution could be defined as a situation whereby pollutants contaminate the environment they live in. Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution have negative effects and a way of contributing to human’s unhealthy lifestyle. Soil pollution also occurs when the pollutants, get contaminants, having toxic chemicals in the soil that were not properly processed can lead to soil pollution. Plants, human, and wildlife are results of soil being in a high concentration which can cause a negative effect. Hence, the main causes of soil pollution include industrial activity, waste disposal, acid rain agricultural activities and oil spill. “A barium bio concentration factors (BCF) study reported a soil to plant BCF of o.4 based on the exposure of a variety of plants species to mean barium soil concentrations” (Canadian soil quality guidelines for barium pg.33).

This shows the effect of barium on soil and how it could be affected by a bad number of chemicals. “It is flat and green, but it is not safe. When an old house burns down, leaded paints and household chemicals end up in the soil”. (Time to stop kicking the can down the road on lead levels in Winnipeg’s soil pg.1) Another cause of soil pollution was found in a family house in Winnipeg due to the burning down of a house next to their house. The news also explained how the house owners around their area leveled it and planted grass but was not still a safer idea of preventing the soil from getting polluted. The family suggested that human should make sure they always get their soil tested and dig through the floor properly in other to avoid health risk. Especially for those people who love planting food in their gardens at home.

One of the reasons why we get the air we breathe in polluted is because of wrong forest burning. Air contamination is a standout amongst the most hazardous types of contamination. A natural, substance and physical change of the air happens when smoke, dust, and any hurtful gases go into the air and make it hard for every living being to get by as the air ends up sullied. Consuming of petroleum derivatives, horticultural related exercises, mining activities, exhaust from businesses and industrial facilities, and family unit cleaning items involve air contamination. Individuals discharge a gigantic measure of concoction substances noticeable all around consistently. The impacts of air contamination are disturbing. It causes an Earth-wide temperature boost, corrosive downpours, respiratory and hearth issues, and eutrophication. A great deal of natural life species is compelled to change their environment to endure.

However, Elevated amounts of air contamination can cause an expanded danger of heart assault, wheezing, hacking, and breathing issues, and bothering of the eyes, nose, and throat. Air contamination can likewise cause declining of existing heart issues, asthma, and other lung complexities. Like people, creatures can experience the ill effects of various medical issues because of air contamination, including birth surrenders, regenerative disappointment, and infections. Air contamination makes various ecological impacts likewise the consequences for people and creatures. Corrosive downpour contains abnormal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids that are made by oxides and sulfur oxides discharged into the air by the copying of petroleum products. Corrosive downpour harms trees and ferments soils and water bodies, making the water unreasonably acidic for fish and other sea-going life.

Nitrogen oxides discharged into the air by the copying of non-renewable energy sources likewise add to the nitrogen in charge of harmful green growth sprouts. The arrival of man-made mixes including hydro chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, and halons earlier utilized as coolants, frothing operators, pesticides, solvents, airborne fuels, and firehouses are exhausting the ozone. The ozone layer in the stratosphere frames a defensive layer that reflects hurtful bright beams once more into space that would somehow or another decimate creature and vegetation. (Renewable resources’ coalition pg1). Though these are some causes and effects of air pollution, there is also a solution to these problems and how to prevent it.

In the article ‘A smoke Management Framework for British Colombia”. Shows how the government is trying to prevent air pollution from occurring in British Columbia and the solution on how to deal with the situation. These solutions are less wood burning in fireplaces, less open burning, good recycling habits, and less forest burning during summer. Having to live without water can be very harmful to everything around us. water is a natural resource that provides and brings a big connection to our everyday lifestyle. However, water can be affected by natural causes and humans.

Supplement contamination is brought about by wastewater, sewage, and manures. The abnormal amounts of supplements in these sources end up in waterways and advance green growth and weed development, which can make the water undrinkable and drained oxygen making amphibian creatures bite the dust. Pesticides and herbicides connected to crops and neighborhoods amass in the dirt and are conveyed to the groundwater by water and spillover. Consequently, whenever somebody penetrates a well for water it must be checked for contamination. Mechanical waste is one of the fundamental drivers of water contamination, by making essential and optional poisons including sulfur, lead and mercury, nitrates and phosphates, and oil slicks. In creating nations around 70% of their strong waste is dumped straightforwardly into the sea or ocean. This causes major issues including the hurting and slaughtering of ocean animals, which at last influences people. Water contamination is a genuine danger to people, creatures, and amphibian life.

The impacts of water contamination rely upon which synthetic substances are being dumped where. Waterways that are close urbanized territories will, in general, be vigorously contaminated by dumping of trash and synthetic compounds, both lawfully and illicitly, by mechanical plants, well-being focuses, and people. By a long shot, the greatest result of water contamination is the passing of amphibian animals, which can upset the whole natural way of life. Toxins, for example, cadmium, mercury, and lead are eaten by small amphibian life forms that are then eaten by fish and shellfish, ending up progressively focused with each progression up the natural pecking order and causing major issues in people and untamed life. Supplement contamination can cause lethal algal sprouts in drinking water sources that make poisons that execute fish and other sea-going creatures.

Direct presentation to this lethal alga causes genuine medical issues in people including neurological impacts, respiratory issues, stomach and liver disease, and rashes. A weighty issue is made when disinfectants used to treat drinking water achieve water dirtied with dangerous green growth, they respond to making dioxins. Dioxins are very hurtful synthetic intensifies that have related to conception and improvement issues, and much malignancy. Nitrates, brought about by composts, likewise pollute drinking water and as indicated by the Environmental Protection Agency, babies who devour water that is high in nitrates can turn out to be truly sick with the blue-child disorder, which causes shortness of breath and blue-tinted skin, and can prompt passing if not treated early. (“Renewable resources coalition”) Although water contamination can also be caused by climate change People in India have also suffered from water pollution, places like Deli is a city in India that suffers from water pollution.

One of the causes of India’s water pollution is due to climate change and cannot be controlled. In India, most women have suffered from breastfeeding their children due to water pollution. Also, India is a heated land that has mostly summer weather compared to Canada that the summer wealth is seasonal. India has suffered from many crises during the summer period and must dig from the floor just to get water to feed their crops, in fact, during the hot weather Indians in Deli find it very hard to feed and maintain their growing crops and grains which feeds two billion people. In India, twenty to thirty people died due to climate change in Deli and people not having fresh water to drink after houses collapsed and the water got contaminated (“India water crisis”). Finding all these causes and effects on water pollution is very disturbing. Humans can bring a change to these problems by minimizing storm water runoffs and practice responsible use of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides. Truly, ecological contamination is one of the most concerning issues brought about by human exercises that we ought to defeat to see a tomorrow and certification our relatives’ solid life. There are numerous natural worries for networks the world over to address. We ought to dependably recollect that contamination issues influence every one of us so every one of us needs to do his or her best to help re-establish biological parity to our nation.

Find out about the significant polluters in your general vicinity to ensure the air and water where you live. Advise people to stop pollution, explain and tell them the consequences of environmental pollution to prevent the worst from happening. However, there is a saying “prevention is better than cure”.

India is the second most populous country in the World and home to over 1.3 trillion people. It is a land of gorgeous and spectacular landscapes, abundant natural resources, and one of the most sought after holiday destination. But the biggest concern of today’s time is the grave challenge of large-scale environmental pollution faced by the country. Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) has stated India as the world’s second most polluted country in the world. The horrendous condition of environmental pollution in the country has resulted in the shortening the life of an average Indian’s by over four years. The Indian government has declared a state of emergency for environmental pollution in the urban areas.

Scientists from India’s most renowned cancer institute unconcealed awful statistics that approximately half of the school going children in Delhi are growing up with the irreversible lung impairment condition. The level of dangerous and toxic pollutants in the air, water and soil has gone way above the safe limit. Heavy industrialization, urbanization and some age old practices like burning agricultural waste have equally contributed to the miserable environment condition in India.

Factors of Environmental Pollution:

1. Air pollution:

New Delhi, the capital of India, made global headlines recently when it turned up in the top 10 most-polluted places on earth. Supreme Court of India has imposed a ban on old petrol and diesel vehicles in Delhi. Despite numerous efforts by the government to manage polluting emissions from the industries and use alternate traffic mechanisms, the air condition continues to deteriorate. The major sources of air pollution are traffic, power plants, industry, burning waste, cooking using wood and charcoal. Emission of greenhouse gasses poses a real time threat to the concentration of toxic elements in the air.

2. Soil pollution:

As the industrial sector in India is witnessing a prolific growth. As a result soil pollution is becoming a major concern in all parts of the country. Soil pollution poses an alarming threat to agricultural productivity, food safety, and human health. The area of fertile land is deteriorating every passing day by the use of chemicals for gaining better produce. The growth of cities in India has used soil as a sink for perpetually greater amounts of municipal waste. Cities like Bangalore & Chennai, famously called the IT hubs of the country are facing a grave issue of large amount of e-waste piled in the dump yards. Large amount of land is wasted as dumping grounds both within and at the outskirts of cities. These dumping grounds can be seen treated as pastures for cattle which can result in numerous health hazards.

3. Water pollution:

In India, we are not new to water pollution. Agriculture is the prime necessity for the country and apparently environmental impact on the climate has hugely affected the monsoons. Huge amount of waste, including metals like lead, toxic chemicals coming from Industries is dumped in rivers and water-bodies. The largest source of water pollution in India is the untreated sewage water. Some villages in India still practice defecation in the open which further pollutes the nearby water bodies. Ganga and Yamuna are ranked amongst the top 10 the most polluted rivers in the world.

4. Noise pollution:

Noise pollution is another burning issue of Modern India. Traffic congestion on roads, maddening sounds of honking horns, factory sirens, shuddering sound of the running of machines and loud sound of loudspeakers majorly contribute to the tremendous increase in noise pollution. Environmental pollution has resulted in the outbreak of so many health issues for an average Indian.

Measures taken

India signed the historic Paris climate agreement on 24th November 2017 along with 170 Nations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. India has committed itself to the effective implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change. Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron inaugurated Uttar Pradesh’s biggest solar power plant in Mirzapur district on 12th March 2018. India has also signed an agreement with Germany on technical cooperation under the Indo-German Energy Program – Green Energy Corridors (IGEN-GEC). The Indian government is taking serious steps to restore the sanctity of Ganga and Yamuna rivers by implementing the ‘Clean Ganga’, ‘Namami Gange’ and ‘Yamuna Cleaning Program’.

As plastic is a major pollutant, the State Government of Maharashtra has compete ban on plastics bags from 23rd June 2018. The notification issued by the Maharashtra state government banned manufacturing, usage, sale, circulation and storage of plastic materials such as bags, spoons, plates and other disposable items. The ban also includes packaging material and thermocol. However the plastic used for packaging of medicines and drugs, milk and treatment of solid waste is exempted from the ban. Stringent laws are enforced to control Noise pollution.

Various NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) are working day and night to educate the average Indians about the ill-effects of pollution on their mental and physical health. The Government is running rigorous campaigns through television, movies, print-media and other such outlets to encourage people to practice environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Conclusion

One cannot deny that the polluted environment in urban India is a ticking time bomb. Prolific industrialization for growth of the National economy has apparently put at risk even a breath of fresh air in the Indian cities. Lack of public participation in the implementation of stringent laws to fight environmental pollution is another huge concern. The public health in India is at serious risk. The Indian government is working to implement the solutions on a larger canvas, for example, switching to clean energy, regulations to reduce the emissions of harmful pollutants, and campaigning to spread acquaintance about the adverse effects of environmental pollution. The most significant aspect is encouraging the Indian people to give away their age-old practices which are by and large hazardous to the environment. The Sanskrit phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which means that ‘the world is like a family’, must come alive in the minds and hearts of each one of us to save this beautiful and serene land of traditions.

Fossil fuels are a natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms. The burning of fossil fuels is the largest release that increases the temperatures of the world. The Earth’s temperature rises by the greenhouse gases that trap heat from the sun in the Earth’s atmosphere. Evidence has been collected and studied by scientists and engineers to prove that the world is warming and affecting the world (Shaftel par. 3). Earth-orbiting satellites have opened the eyes of scientists to the bigger picture of the effects of rising temperatures to the world. This has enabled scientists to collect many types of information about the climate on a global scale. In the mid-19th century, the heat-trapping of carbon dioxide was demonstrated. Tree rings, ocean sediments, coral reefs, and layers of sedimentary rocks are ancient evidence that can prove these rising temperatures over the years. “This ancient, or paleoclimate, evidence reveals that current warming is occurring roughly ten times faster than the average rate of ice-age-recovery warming” (Shaftel par. 5).

These rising temperatures have largely affected the climate. “Glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes are breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted, and trees are flowering sooner” (Shaftel par. 1). Since the late 19th century, the planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) (Shaftel par. 6). Oceans have been absorbing a lot of this heat. With the top 700 meters (about 2,300 feet) of ocean showing warning of more than 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1969 (Shaftel par. 7).

Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have also decreased in mass (Shaftel par. 8). Data from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment show Greenland lost an average of 281 billion tons of ice (Shaftel par. 8). The Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska, and Africa’s glaciers have been retreating (Shaftel par. 9). In the Northern Hemisphere, satellites captured and revealed that the amount of spring snow cover is decreasing (Shaftel par. 10). The sea level has risen about 8 inches in the last century (Shaftel par. 11). “The rate in the last two decades, however, is nearly double that of the last century and is accelerating slightly every year” (Shaftel par. 11). Ocean acidity has increased by about 30 percent since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (Shaftel par. 14). There has been a lot of damage to the Earth that cannot be undone, but there are ways to help limit future warming. The change can only happen if individuals speak up and act on the issue. Using less fossil fuel can lessen future warming. Being less dependent on fossil fuels and expanding the use of renewable energy is the way to start. Biomass power comes from plants, trees, and other organic material (Witsil par. 2). It is abundant and cleaner than fossil fuels.

Wind turbines do not create pollution, there is limited maintenance, and is relatively inexpensive to build (Witsil par. 1). Some utility companies now generate a lot of their energy from safer and cleaner sources. “Choose a utility company that generates at least half its power from wind or solar and has been certified by Greene-Energy” (Denchak par. 6). There are now refrigeration’s, washing machines, and other appliances that have star labels on them (Denchak par. 8). It tells you which of the products are most efficient. “Efficiency standards for dozens of appliances and products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air” (Denchak par. 8). LED light bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescent as well (Denchak par. 11). With every pro, there are cons. Oppositions play a big role in every change. The world runs off fossil fuel. It powers our cars, homes, jobs, etc. Expanding the use of renewable energy can be smart but it also can be difficult. Wind turbines will not produce energy if there is not any wind.

These also require a lot of land to be built. Biomass power can also result in air pollution, and it takes a lot of energy to produce (Witsil par. 2). The downside of renewable energy mostly depends on weather conditions, which can make it much harder to use. A great deal of land may be required to capture large amounts of renewable energy. Solar panels require a great deal of land, money, and is also predicted by weather. Our world is full of fossil fuels. Without these fossil fuels, Earth would not be sustainable to live in (Moore par. 1). “We live in a greenhouse world; without such gases, Earth would be too cold to sustain life as we know it” (Moore par. 1). Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide contribute to a warmer world (Moore par. 1). Individuals believe that a warmer world will help banking, insurance, medical services, retailing, and education prosper (Moore par. 5). A climate that is warmer will lower the cost of transportation. “A warmer climate will lower transportation costs: less snow and ice will torment truckers and automobile drivers; fewer winter storms will disrupt air travel; bad weather in the summer has few disruptive effects and passes quickly; a lower incidence of storms and less fog will make shipping less risky” (Moore par. 5). In other parts of the world, warmer weather could mean longer growing seasons. A warming climate could really be beneficial to our world. Evidence has been collected and studied by scientists and engineers to prove that the world is warming and affecting the world. The evidence that has been found has proven that the world is warming at faster rates than before. There are so many solutions that could benefit the world. The damage to the atmosphere has already been done. The only way to try to resolve this issue is to create a better and safer future.

Plastics are the type of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer which can moulded to any shape. It is an example of inorganic waste. Plastics are not toxic as such to humans since it is less soluble, but additives like plasticizers are toxic. Plastics though non-toxic cause a great deal of damage to the environment because of their nonbiodegradability. This is because most plastics are derived from monomer of propylene and the propylene link formed is extremely strong to be decomposed by bacteria.

It has been found that in marine pollution, 60-95 percent pollution is caused due to plastics itself. Due to the cool temperature and salinity of oceans, polymer degradation is very difficult. Plastics also degrade the soil by making it less fertile and chlorinated plastics release harmful chemicals which can get absorbed into nearby sources of water.

The different types of plastics are:

1. Polyethylene terephthalate is a thermoplastic polymer that is used to make food and water containers, fibers for clothing etc. It is recyclable.
2. High Density polyethene is a thermoplastic made from cracking of petroleum. It has high strength to density ratio and is thus used to make plastic bottles, pipes, plastic bags etc. It is recyclable.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride is a synthetic polymer used to make pipes, window frames, ducts etc. It contains numerous toxins (plasticizers) and is called “poison plastic”. They are recyclable.
4. Low Density polyethene is a thermoplastic made by free radical polymerization of ethylene at high pressure. It’s commonly used in plastic bags. It is also recyclable.
5. Polypropylene is formed by chain-growth polymerization of propylene. It is Used to make bottle caps, packaging and labeling etc. It is also recyclable.
6. Polystyrene is made from polymerizing styrene. It is transparent and rigid. It is used for protective packaging of DVD, CD, tumblers, bottles etc. It is not recyclable.
7. Miscellaneous plastic are the all the other plastics (polycarbonates, acrylic, styrene, nylon etc. ). They usually contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which is a hormone disruptor used to increase the plastics’ durability. It requires very high temperatures to be broken down and hence is not recyclable.

Plastic pollution real life scenario

Every year about 18 billion pounds of plastic waste goes into the world’s ocean from coastal areas. 40% of the plastic produced is just for packaging purposes. This percent of plastic is only used once and then simply discarded. Only 20 % of plastic is recycled all over the world, even though many countries are taking initiatives to increase this percentage.

The major problem due to plastic is the enter into our food chain and cause damage to our health. Most of this plastic disintegrates into particles smaller than five millimetres, known as microplastics, and these break down further into nanoparticles (less than 0. 1 micrometre in size). Some serious issues due to plastic:

Entanglement: The entrapping, encircling or constricting of marine animals by plastic debris. These Marine animals are stuck into these debris and they are not able to get sufficient amount of Oxygen and they are dying. They also killed by the predators easily.

Ingestion: Large volumes of plastic can greatly reduce stomach capacity, leading to poor appetite and false sense of satiation. Ingestion is process by which the plastic enter into the living organisms. Ingestion of plastic can occur unintentionally, intentionally, or indirectly through the ingestion of prey species containing plastic. Plastic can also obstruct or perforate the gut, cause ulcerative lesions, or gastric rupture. This can ultimately lead to death.

Abstract

Such an area of study as environmental health is becoming increasingly more important these days as discoveries about the influence of the environment on human health are made. This paper explores the concept of environmental health and the issues related to its use. On the whole, a detailed explanation of the term “environmental health” is provided, a synopsis of the pertinent information on the topic is proposed, and environmental factors affecting health are discussed. Also, several steps that the author can make to assist with addressing the issue of climatic changes are described. The conclusions made as a result of the current work are also supplied.

Introduction

Environmental health is an area of study that is becoming more and more important nowadays. It encompasses a wide variety of issues and problems about the impact of the environment on human health. The current paper explores the said area of study in greater detail. A synopsis of pertinent information related to environmental health is provided; environmental factors that might adversely influence the health of individuals are discussed, and the steps that I might take in the future to improve the situation related to certain environmental barriers to health are considered.

Synopsis

Generally speaking, environmental health is an area of study that might be viewed as a discipline of public health, and which involves estimating and controlling the factors that are external to an individual and may have an impact on their health (National Environmental Health Association [NEHA], n.d.). It should be noted that environmental health pertains to both built and natural types of environment and involves taking steps aimed at identifying factors that may cause disease and addressing these factors to minimize or eliminate their potential adverse influence on the health (NEHA, n.d.). It is also important to observe that the discipline of environmental health is intertwined with that of environmental protection; the latter is aimed at preserving the natural environment to avoid negative impacts on both the health of humans, on the one hand, and the local and global ecosystems of the planet, on the other.

It is paramount to stress that the discipline of environmental health encompasses both the theoretical and practical aspects of identifying and managing factors which might have an adverse influence on the human health (NEHA, n.d.). Therefore, it includes both the theoretical discourse aimed at identifying and averting disease, and the practical methods for creating environments that are beneficial for human health (Rooney, Boyles, Wolfe, Bucher, & Thayer, 2014). It should also be pointed out that environmental health includes several branches, such as environmental epidemiology, environmental engineering, environmental law, toxicology, and so on (Frumkin, 2016). All the said areas of study provide a wide array of contributions that allow for better understanding of how the environment may affect humans and their health, as well as for developing and implementing methods that might permit preserving beneficent environments and avoiding causing changes in the environment that may harm the human health.

Environmental Factors That Impact Health

There exists a wide variety of factors that may affect the health of individuals. For instance, the quality of air is one such factor (Frumkin, 2016). Generally speaking, it should be observed that the quality of air both indoors and outdoors is of paramount importance for human health (Battersby, 2016). Outdoors, the air quality is impacted by a multitude of factors, including the number of vehicles in a city or town, the number of trees and other plants in that city, the presence of green wedges, the climatic conditions, and so on; at the same time, indoor air quality is dependent upon the building materials employed in the construction, smoking tobacco indoors, the level to which the premises are cluttered, etc. Another aspect that impacts the health of individuals is the level of noise (Frumkin, 2016). For instance, constant and persistent noise pollution may adversely influence the health of individuals, so it is paramount to reduce this pollution by e.g. using soundproof materials, acoustic panels, etc.

Access to safe drinking water is also an issue that is one of the concerns of the discipline of environmental health (Battersby, 2016). Although in highly urbanized areas, tap water is often provided for the population, and it may meet the local safety standards, in certain areas, the access to the drinking water of appropriate quality is rather limited. Yet another factor about the discipline of environmental health is that of occupational health and safety (Frumkin, 2016). It involves the creation and maintenance of working conditions and workplaces that are safe for individuals working there. For instance, occupational safety is concerned with the creation of standards of workload, the implementation of protective measures aimed at preventing or reducing injury at the workplace (e.g., trauma resulting from accidents with machinery), the development of safety protocols, the use of ergonomic designs, etc. (Frumkin, 2016).

Also, the issue of climate change plays a pivotal role in the discipline of environmental health (Watts et al., 2015). The changes in the climate may lead to highly adverse consequences for the health of individuals (Watts et al., 2015). For example, they may cause natural disasters such as floods or droughts, periods of severe heat, and so on (Watts et al., 2015). Severe climatic changes may lead to changes in the local flora and fauna, which means that invasive species may breach and negatively impact the local ecosystems, etc.

On the whole, it should be stressed that a wide array of environmental factors might influence the health of individuals, and all these may be considered areas of interest for such a discipline as environmental health.

My Role in Improving / Eliminating Environmental Barriers to Health

Generally speaking, there exist several areas in which I might take steps aimed at improving the situation to reduce or eliminate environmental issues that might have an adverse influence on human health. For instance, one such area is that of climate change. To contribute to preventing the exacerbation of climatic conditions, I can take part in research aimed at identifying and exposing the changes in climate, in particular, by visiting conferences and delivering reports on the topic (Rooney et al., 2014). It is also within my ability to organize informational campaigns to disseminate information about the dangers of climate change among the population. For instance, it is possible to write and post informative materials on such social media as Facebook, post links to some texts on Twitter, and so on.

Various types of groups on these social media can also be created and then utilized as a tool for disseminating pertinent information about the members of these groups. The materials provided via these channels can include elucidative texts, news about discoveries about the issue of changes in the climate, etc. It is also a possibility to join some movements that are concerned with the problem of environmental protection, which should be useful because it would allow for combining efforts of a large group of people whose agenda is to prevent the deterioration of the natural environment (Watts et al., 2015). Also, at a later date, it might become possible for me to join a professional organization that is concerned with addressing the issue of climatic changes, and use my professional knowledge and expertise to advocate for adoption of policies that would be aimed at preserving and protecting the natural environment and averting its further deterioration (Watts et al., 2015).

Summary and Conclusion

All in all, it should be pointed out that environmental health is an interdisciplinary area of study that is aimed at identifying and controlling factors which are of external origins concerning an individual, and which may have a negative influence on their health (Frumkin, 2016; NEHA, n.d.). There exist a plethora of such factors; for instance, they may include the quality of air that people use for breathing, the degree of noise pollution, the access to drinking water, the levels of occupational safety, the problem of climate change, and many others. For me, there exists an opportunity to participate in environmental health to address environmental barriers to health by taking steps aimed at disseminating information about climate change, for example, by utilizing social media, joining movements whose aims involve the protection of the environment, and so on. On the whole, it might be concluded that environmental health is a multidisciplinary area of study, and professionals from different areas of specialization might be able to make their contribution to efforts aimed at ensuring that the environment is safe and beneficent for humans.

The World Health Organization estimates that 4.6 million people die every year from the causes directly attributable to air pollution. Barack Obama (2013) suggested that the emission from car is considered as the most challenging issue in the globe. Pollution is the introduction of harmful or poisonous substance in the environment. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light. Pollutants components can be either foreign substances or naturally occurring contaminants. The pollution of air and the land are common types of pollution in the present day. Environmental pollutions are caused by vehicles and industries, improper waste management which has led to several environment issues with multiple effects already being felt in the society.

In the technologically advanced world, there is rapid increase in economy and infrastructures are improving. Emissions from cars increase the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Many machines produces pollutions in the environment According to United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) (2015), motor vehicles collectively cause 75 percent of carbon monoxide pollution in the United States. Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances including gases, particles, and biological molecules are introduced into the Earth’s atmosphere. According to the State Global Air 2019 (April, 29, 2019) “Air pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances including gases, particles, and biological molecules are introduced into the Earth’s atmosphere”. Vaidya Nathan, R.C. & Roberta, C. observed that worst climate pollution is carbon dioxide as it is a greenhouse gas and acts as a blanket in the earth’s surface resulting in warming the earth. The number of industries is increasing every day. Everyone is trying towards enhancing the production. ‘According to Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change, to limit warming well below 2 degree Celsius, CO2 emissions should decline by about 20 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero around 2075; to limit warming below 1.5 degree Celsius, CO2 emissions should decline by 50 per cent by 2030 and reach net zero by around 2050’. This is a challenging issue because it is hard to stop industrialisation as it has become our utmost source of manufacture. The movement towards the enhancing economy has led to the pollution of the environment.

Furthermore improper waste management is the cause of pollution of the environment. The people has now lost common sense and they can’t care their own waste as they throw everywhere. Throwing of the wastes, sewage out flow in rivers and other water bodies are the cause of water pollution. Pink, D.H views water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater (April, 19, 2006, p.195). Water pollution results in degradation of aquatic ecosystem that creates imbalance in the nature. Water pollution can be grouped into surface water pollution. Marine pollution and nutrient pollution are subsets of water pollution. Sources of water pollution are either point sources or non-point sources. Point sources have one identifiable cause of the pollution, such as a storm drain, wastewater treatment plant or stream. Non-point sources are more diffuse, such as agricultural runoff. Pollution is the result of the cumulative effect over time. All plants and organisms living in or being exposed to polluted water bodies can be impacted. The effects can damage individual species and impact the natural biological communities as every species are part of the biodiversity. Meanwhile throwing of waste and using chemical fertilizers contaminates the soil. West, L. (March,26,2016) claimed soil contamination or soil pollution as part of land degradation is caused by the presence of xenobiotic (human-made) chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste. The most common chemicals involved are petroleum hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene), solvents, pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals. Contamination is correlated with the degree of industrialization and intensity of chemical substance. The concern over soil contamination stems primarily from health risks, from direct contact with the contaminated soil, vapours from the contaminants, and from secondary contamination of water supplies within and underlying the soil. The improper waste management would cause air and land pollution which affects the society.

Additionally the environment pollution would cause several impacts in the society. With increase in the pollution, it affects the climate. Research done by John, H., Seinfeld and Spyros N.P (September, 10, 2017) supports air pollution and climate change are closely related. As well as driving climate change, the main cause of CO2 emissions, the extraction and burning of fossil fuels is also a major source of air pollutants. Air pollutants contribute to climate change by affecting the amount of incoming sunlight that is reflected or absorbed by the atmosphere, with some pollutants warming and others cooling the Earth. These short-lived climate-forcing pollutants (SLCPs) include methane, black carbon, ground-level ozone, and sulfate aerosols. They have significant impacts on the climate: black carbon and methane in particular are among the top contributors to global warming after CO2. Due to climate change and the pollution, there would evolve many diseases creating problems in the society. There is unusual weather pattern that results in multiple natural hazard such as landslides, fire, flood and windstorm threatening the people. As per first WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health (2018), WHO Director General Rd. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called air pollution a “silent public health emergency”. Approximately 7 million premature deaths annually are due to the effects of air pollution, about 4 million of which are due to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. Beyond shortening lives, air pollution can negatively impact our day-to-day lives, causing respiratory illness and leading to days of missed work and school. Children are especially vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution: exposure to air pollution in early childhood, when the lungs are still developing, can lead to reduced lung capacity that persists through adulthood. Moreover pollution would directly or indirectly harm our health due poor cleanliness and the air we breathe is impure. The pollution of environment would affect climate which as a result would impact the society.

In nutshell, pollution of environment is a serious problem which affects the society in several ways. Contamination of air, land and water for human desires and economic prosperity has led to serious threat on climate. Establishment of large number of industries, poor waste management and other environmental issues would ultimately impact the society. These problems can be reduced by limiting human desire and being a good citizen.

Introduction

Humans do not live in a vacuum but in a damaged environment that impacts individuals’ health every second of their existence. People cannot avoid air as they must breathe, water as they must drink, or land as they must eat what is grown in it. When polluted substances from the environment come to a human’s organism, they affect its health system causing various illnesses, diseases, and development abnormalities. Environmental pollution varies in forms but influences all people leading to physical, psychological, and behavioral harmful effects.

Physical Effects

Contaminated environment causes physical disabilities due to humans’ interaction with it.

For example, lead emissions that come to the environment from “ore and metals processing”, “leaded aviation gasoline”, “manufacturing batteries”, “coal burning”, “typecasting”, and “older housings” are extremely dangerous when absorbed by a human body as lead “cannot be decomposed by microorganisms” (Zhang, Wilson, Hou, & Meng, 2015, p. 21). Hence, lead damages a human’s neurological, hematological, immunological, and reproductive systems causing physical disabilities.

Moreover, even low concentration of lead hurts children when their body is exposed to toxic nature of lead. According to Zhang et al. (2015), lead causes “lowered intelligence quotient”, “learning deficiency”, “cognitive deficits”, “lower vocabulary and grammatical-reasoning ability”, “longer reaction time”, “poorer hand-eye coordination”(p. 22). Therefore, children received lead toxins in their body experience neurological disabilities resulting in problems at school, low performance, difficulties with motivation and lack of concentration.

Finally, air pollution that is impossible to avoid can be fatal. According to Anders, Thundiyil, and Stolbach (2012), particulate matter (PM) in the air “contributes to approximately 800,000 premature deaths each year, ranking it the 13th leading cause of mortality worldwide (p. 166).

In addition, “acute exposure to PM causes changes in coagulation and platelet activation providing a more proximal link between PM and coronary artery disease” (Anders, Thundiyil, & Stolbach, 2012, p. 168). Hence, PM severely damages cardiovascular and respiratory systems of humans affected by air pollution increasing human mortality.

Psychological Effects

Psychological balance of a human is disrupted by noise pollution, for example. If noise level exceeds certain norms, it is called noise pollution. Hence, “continuous noise of level greater than 30 dB” causes problems with falling asleep and having a deep sleep (Shahid & Bashir, 2013, p. 43). Hence, lack of sleep significantly lowers work or study performance of people exposed to noise pollution.

Moreover, constant noise makes a human easily annoyed, irritated, and even aggressive. According to Shahid and Bashir (2013), indirect effects of noise pollution result in “lack of peace of mind, enjoyment of one’s own property and the enjoyment of loneliness” (p. 42). Thus, noise pollution causes psychological discomfort for those imposed to it.

Furthermore, excessive noise disturbs communication process. Speech interference affects concentration and leads to “fatigue, uncertainty and lack of self-confidence, irritation, misunderstandings, decreased working capacity and problem in human relations” (Shahid & Bashir, 2013, p. 42). Therefore people are psychologically affected by noise pollution when noise level exceeds norms.

Behavioral Effects

Environmental pollution causes not only physical and psychological health troubles but also affects behavioral patterns of a human. According to Shahid and Bashir (2013), “direct effects” of noise pollution include “aggressive behavior associating with pre-existing anger and alcohol or other psychoactive agents” (p. 43). Speech and sleep disturbances caused by noise pollution also provoke harmful effects of individuals’ behavior.

Moreover, recent studies reveal connection between air pollution and autism disorder. Results of a study conducted by Volk et al. (2014) testify that “subjects with both MET rs1858830 CC genotype and high air pollutant exposures were at increased risk of autism spectrum disorder compared with subjects who had both the CG/GG” (p. 44).

Although “complex phenotypic presentation’ of autism disorders suggested “multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to risk” before, the recent studies showed correlation between air pollution and increased autism spectrum disorder risk (Volk et al., 2014, p. 45). Additionally, in children “prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure has been associated with intelligence (IQ) deficits at age 5 years as well as with increased anxiety, depression, and inattention at age 6–7” (Volk et al., 2014, p. 45).

However, indoor PM exposure “can be reduced by the usage of air conditioning and particulate filters, decreasing indoor combustion for heating and cooking, and smoking cessation” (Anders, Thundiyil, & Stolbach, 2012, p. 166). Nonetheless, children living next to highways with high level of air pollution and particular matter are exposed to increased autism spectrum disorder risk.

Conclusion

Environmental contaminations such as lead taxation, noise and air pollution harmfully affect physical, psychological health and behavioral patterns of adults and children.

Toxicant lead emissions cause physical and neurological disabilities leading to illnesses for adults and children. Moreover, noise pollution results in sleep disturbance, speech interference and emotional discomfort of individuals. Finally, air contamination put children to a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders. Therefore, there is an evident correlation between pollution and health problems caused by today’s air, water, land, and noise contaminations, which affect health of all human beings.